I'm so happy you guys!!! When I went to check on her today I SAW LARVAE!!!!!!
Most of the larva were close to the test tube cotton (I could not get a good picture in time). But, I did manage to get one of them in a picture before the queen ran over to cover it. She did not like the light and seemed stressed. So, I quickly covered them back up.Upkeep
Every three days; I clean out the tub (exoskeletons & unused food that can go bad) and add more food.
I've been doing my best to leave her in peace. I only remove test tube cover once a week to take pictures (takes about 15 seconds).
It seems to be working too! In just 22 days I have LARVAE!!!
Here are the pictures I took today. The queen rushed to cover her larva. It's right where the light glare is at. Sorry it's so hard to see. I did not have much time...
I started an ant journal here: SAME POST UPDATEhttp://forum.AntsCanada.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=5777

Pogonomyrmex occodentalis lives in South Dakota. I wish I could find them.

Don't give up
The bulk of them start to fly from now till late July!!!
I'm going to try to find more. We have many different species here in south California.
I found this queen about 3 ft from another nest (same species). My best guess is, she was trying find her way into the nest (They are very polygynous).But, most people find them right after a flight.
Best of luck!

OK... I had to check on them today. It's been 5 days and after cleaning out some meal worms. I lifted the cover and stole a few pictures.... I got a good view this time. But, I plan to give them a long break from this stress. Next update 5/11/2018
I felt really guilty after. I can tell she does not like it..

lets talk about diet...
I wanted to talk about what I've been giving her as food.... ANY ADVICE WELCOME
1.Insects; meal worms and crickets from Pet co.
2.Most accepted seeds; white Proso, safflower, corn, sesame, wild dandelion, poppy, and sunflower. I'm always adding new seeds...
3.Sugars; I use raw honey with the honey comb. I like the honey comb because I don't have to worry about her drowning in it.
Well, that's it for now. Here are the new pictures I got today... IS THAT A PUPA!?!?!?day 27

Pogonomyrmex occodentalis lives in South Dakota. I wish I could find them.

Don't give up
The bulk of them start to fly from now till late July!!!
I'm going to try to find more. We have many different species here in south California.
I found this queen about 3 ft from another nest (same species). My best guess is, she was trying find her way into the nest (They are very polygynous).But, most people find them right after a flight.
Best of luck!

I am not sure they even live on my side of the state. South Dakota is diverse in landscapes and climates. There was also only one record of P. Occidentalis in SD. And it was hundreds of miles from my area. Besides, there are a lot of fascinating ants in my area as well.

"God made every kind of wild beasts and every kind of livestock and every kind of creeping things;" (including ants) "and God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:25

Pogonomyrmex occodentalis lives in South Dakota. I wish I could find them.

Don't give up
The bulk of them start to fly from now till late July!!!
I'm going to try to find more. We have many different species here in south California.
I found this queen about 3 ft from another nest (same species). My best guess is, she was trying find her way into the nest (They are very polygynous).But, most people find them right after a flight.
Best of luck!

From what I have heard, Pogonomyrmex queens are not polygynous, and they have nasty fights to the death if put together.

"God made every kind of wild beasts and every kind of livestock and every kind of creeping things;" (including ants) "and God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:25

Pogonomyrmex occodentalis lives in South Dakota. I wish I could find them.

Don't give up
The bulk of them start to fly from now till late July!!!
I'm going to try to find more. We have many different species here in south California.
I found this queen about 3 ft from another nest (same species). My best guess is, she was trying find her way into the nest (They are very polygynous).But, most people find them right after a flight.
Best of luck!

These are not good flying conditions also. 12 inches of snow fell a week ago!

"God made every kind of wild beasts and every kind of livestock and every kind of creeping things;" (including ants) "and God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:25

Pogonomyrmex occodentalis lives in South Dakota. I wish I could find them.

Don't give up
The bulk of them start to fly from now till late July!!!
I'm going to try to find more. We have many different species here in south California.
I found this queen about 3 ft from another nest (same species). My best guess is, she was trying find her way into the nest (They are very polygynous).But, most people find them right after a flight.
Best of luck!

From what I have heard, Pogonomyrmex queens are not polygynous, and they have nasty fights to the death if put together.

Sorry, I should have said some Pogonomyrmex queens are polygynous (my queen is most defiantly polygynous) It is VERY true.... I've personally seen a pogo colony with 8 queens before. And, I can show you tons of youtube videos..... Pogonomyrmex is a "genus" name NOT a "species" name... there Hundreds of pogo species...